Papon's ghazal night strikes a chord on World Music Day

Time of India

22-06-2025

On World Music Day, Papon captivated Mumbai's Shanmukhananda Hall with a concert blending soulful melodies and playful banter. He performed ghazals and popular hits, showcasing his poetic side and engaging the audience with humor. The evening felt like an intimate gathering, filled with laughter, song requests, and heartfelt connections, highlighting Papon's respect for poetry and his fans.
On the occasion of World Music Day, singer-composer Papon delivered an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring melodies and hearty laughter at Mumbai's iconic Shanmukhananda Hall.
Known for Bollywood hits like Bulleya (Sultan), Humnava (Hamari Adhuri Kahani), Kyon (Barfi!), and Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), Sunday's concert showcased a more intimate, fun and rather poetic side of the singer, one that all ghazal aficionados cherished deeply.
Almost every seat of the three floors of the auditorium was occupied as his fans were treated to a carefully curated setlist. Among them were Benaam Khwaayishein, Baavle Jharne, Kaun Mera, Ahista Ahista, Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo, Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi, Aap Ki Ankhon Mein Kuch, Ek Akela Is Shahar Mein, and many others, each track dripping with emotion and nostalgia.
Between songs, Papon's natural charm and comedic timing lit up the hall. His playful sher-shayari drew laughter from the audience, especially when he admitted, 'I just read this sher on Instagram!'
One particularly hilarious moment came early on when audience members erupted into applause as he sang just the first note of a song. Papon paused and said, 'Kya baat hai, sirf saa pe hi itna appreciation! When I was learning sa re ga ma i never thought one day I will get to hear this just for singing 'saa'!'
Not one to miss a chance for a laugh, he took a jab at the freezing auditorium, 'Aap logon ko thand nahi lagti? I was told, they can't control the temperature.
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So it's going remain chilly. Chalo, I am the hot guy here, who you all are looking at, so aap log sek rahein honge!' He followed this with the ghazal, Shola Hoon Bhadakne Ki Guzaarish Nahin Karta, and wowed the audience.
One of the most magical moments of the evening came when Papon invited the audience to sing sargams with him. What began as a spontaneous interaction turned into a harmonious choral experience. The entire hall sang in perfect pitch, prompting Papon to ask in disbelief, 'Shanmukhananda mein audience audition dene ke baad aati hai kya?'
Requests kept pouring in, and Papon responded to as many as he could.
At one point, he said with a laugh, 'You all are shouting together. At my hometown, fish market sounds like this! I will try to sing all these for you.' When someone requested Baavle Jharne, he was visibly moved: 'Yahan kaise kaise log aaye hain? You know Baavle Jharne also? I didn't expect this. It's one of my favourite tracks. When people ask for such songs, it is so beautiful.
' In a particularly touching gesture, he walked to the edge of the stage and sat down to serenade a fan holding up a poster, turning the concert into a moment of pure connection.
His self-deprecating humour along with his infectious laughter gave the evening the feel of an intimate mehfil. 'Lag raha hain hum ghar pe gaa rahein hain but this is an auditorium, and we have to stop the performance on time. Kabhie ghar pe bulaiye then we can sing all night long!'
What stood out throughout the night was Papon's deep respect for poetry and the poets behind his songs. Before every ghazal, he acknowledged the lyricist and composer.
Papon's set list
Kaun Kehta Hai
Kyon
Kaun Mera
Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo
Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
Jiyein Kyun